Oral hygiene device and method of assembly

ABSTRACT

An oral hygiene device includes a handle and a cleaning head supported on one end of the handle. A vibratory source is supported on the handle and is operative to generate vibratory output. A mounting element is disposed between the handle and the vibratory source. A connecting member extends between the vibratory source and the cleaning head, and is adapted to generate motion at the cleaning head in response to the vibratory output generated at the vibratory source.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the artof oral hygiene devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A wide variety of types and kinds of oral hygiene devices have beendeveloped that include one or more displaceable elements and/orcomponents for use in performing hygienic actions, such as the brushingor flossing of teeth, for example. Typically, the one or moredisplaceable elements and/or components are driven by an electricallypowered device. In some cases, the elements and/or components are drivenby a linear actuator, such as a piezoelectric transducer, for example.In other cases, the elements and/or components can be driven by arotational output shaft of an electric motor. In either case, certaindisadvantages exist with regard to known constructions that mayundesirably influence the performance of such known oral hygiene devicesand/or manufacturing costs associated therewith.

As one example, some oral hygiene devices are known to utilize one ormore linear actuators or transducers to displace the head assembly,and/or components or elements thereof, in one or more directions.Commonly, a piezoelectric transducer will be used to vibrate the headassembly, and/or components or elements thereof, at high frequency. Onedisadvantage of such constructions, however, is that complex andexpensive electronics are often used to power the one or more actuatorsand thereby control the movement and operation of the hygienic elementsand/or components, which movement is often a complex or randomoscillating motion.

Additionally, linear transducers used in known oral hygiene devices areoften capable of only limited displacement and/or output force. As such,these actuators are commonly mounted in proximal relation to thehygienic elements and/or components that are driven thereby, such aswithin the head assembly or toward a distal end of an elongated neck ofan oral hygiene device, for example, to minimize mechanical and otherlosses. However, these portions or areas of an oral hygiene device oftenprovide only a limited envelope within which to mount the actuators. Assuch, space constraints can operate to further limit the size and/orperformance characteristics of the linear actuators and/or transducersthat may be used in these known oral hygiene devices.

In other cases, some known oral hygiene devices utilize the output fromrotary actuators, typically electric motors, to generate displacement atthe head assembly, and/or elements or components thereof, in one or moredirections. Typically, these constructions utilize one or morecomponents to mechanically convert continuous rotary motion output bythe rotary actuator into a linear and/or rotational oscillating motion.Generally, such constructions are capable of generating increased strokeand output forces compared to previously described oral hygiene devices.However, due to the sliding of the various mechanical components of thetransmission relative to one another, issues such as part wear andreduced performance can occur. Additionally, the frictional forcesassociated with this sliding motion can also result in a decrease inperformance, in some cases.

Accordingly, it is believed desirable to develop oral hygiene devicesthat overcome one or more of the foregoing and/or other difficultiesassociated with constructions of known oral hygiene devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A toothbrush according to the subject matter of the present disclosureis provided that includes a handle including a handle wall that at leastpartially defines a handle cavity. The handle extends longitudinallybetween spaced first and second ends. A vibratory source is disposedwithin the handle cavity in longitudinally-spaced relation to the firstend of the handle. The vibratory source is adapted to undergo vibratorymovement and thereby generate vibratory output. A mounting element issupported on the handle within the handle cavity and inlongitudinally-spaced relation to the first end of the handle. Themounting element includes an outer mounting wall that is adapted toengage the handle wall. The mounting element also includes an innermounting wall that is adapted to receive the vibratory source. Themounting element further includes at least one intermediate wallsuspending the inner mounting wall from the outer mounting wall suchthat the vibratory source can undergo vibratory movement within thehandle cavity and thereby generate vibratory output. A connecting memberextends longitudinally between opposing first and second member ends.The first member end is fixedly connected to the vibratory source suchthat the connecting member projects from the vibratory source toward thefirst end of the handle. A bearing surface is disposed along the handlewithin the handle cavity and is spaced from the vibratory source towardthe first end of the handle. The connecting member engages the bearingsurface such that vibratory output from the vibratory source, whenacting in a first direction, results in vibratory output at the secondend of the connecting member acting in an opposing second direction. Acleaning head is received along the first end of the handle andoperatively interengages the second end of the connecting member suchthat the vibratory output at the second end of the connecting member iscommunicated to the cleaning head and the cleaning head is therebydisplaced in the opposing second direction.

An oral hygiene device in accordance with the subject matter of thepresent disclosure is provided that includes a handle including a handlewall at least partially defining a handle chamber. The handle includinga proximal end and a distal end that is spaced longitudinally from theproximal end. A cleaning head is supported for vibratory movement on thedistal end of the handle. A vibratory source is supported on the handlewithin the handle chamber and in spaced relation to the distal end. Thevibratory source is operative to generate vibratory output. A mountingmember is disposed within the handle chamber between the vibratorysource and the handle wall such that the vibratory source is suspendedby the mounting member within the handle chamber and is thereby capableof undergoing vibratory displacement resulting in the vibratory output.A connecting member is operatively connected between the vibratorysource and the cleaning head. A bearing surface is provided along one ofthe handle and the cleaning head. The bearing surface is adapted topermit the cleaning head to move relative to the handle and therebygenerate motion in the cleaning head in response to the vibratory outputof the vibratory source.

A method of assembling an oral hygiene device in accordance with thesubject matter of the present disclosure is provided that includesproviding a handle that includes a handle wall at least partiallydefining a handle cavity. The handle extending longitudinally betweenproximal and distal handle ends. The method also includes providing avibratory source and supporting the vibratory source within the handlecavity in spaced relation to the distal end such that the vibratorysource generates vibratory output along a principal plane of motion. Themethod further includes providing a bearing surface on the handlebetween the vibratory source and the distal end of the handle. Themethod also includes providing a connecting member that extendslongitudinally between first and second ends thereof. The method furtherincludes supporting the connecting member along the bearing surface andoperatively interconnecting the first end of the connecting member withthe vibratory source. The method also includes providing a cleaning headand operatively interconnecting the cleaning head and the second end ofthe connecting member such that the connecting member can pivot aboutthe bearing surface in response to the vibratory output from thevibratory source and thereby generate corresponding vibratory output atthe cleaning head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view, in partial cross section, of an exemplaryoral hygiene device in accordance with the subject matter of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the exemplaryoral hygiene device in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-C are end views of the exemplary vibratory source and supportmember in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken from line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the exemplary vibratory source, connectorassembly and bearing in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing one exemplary method of assembling anoral hygiene device in accordance with the subject matter of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose ofillustrating examples of the subject matter of the present disclosureand which showings are not intended as limitations of the same, FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary oral hygiene device 100 that includes a handle102 and a cleaning head 104 that is movably supported on the handle.While it will be appreciated that an oral hygiene device in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure can be of any suitablesize, shape, form, configuration and/or construction, handle 102 of oralhygiene device 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as including a longitudinal axisAX and extending longitudinally between a first or proximal handle end106 and an opposing, second or distal handle end 108. Handle 102 is alsoshown as including a handle wall 110 that at least partially defines ahandle cavity 112.

Additionally, an oral hygiene device in accordance with the subjectmatter of the present disclosure will include a vibratory source adaptedto generate vibratory output, which can, in turn, be transmitted to thecleaning head for movement thereof relative to the handle. In theexample shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, oral hygiene device 100 includes avibratory source 114 that is supported on handle 102 and is operative togenerate vibratory output. In the exemplary arrangement shown, vibratorysource 114 is disposed within handle cavity 112 and is supported thereinsuch that the vibratory source is capable of undergoing vibratorydisplacement relative to handle 102, though it will be recognized thatany other suitable arrangement could alternately be used. Furthermore,the vibratory source (e.g., vibratory source 114) can be supported on,in or along the handle (e.g., handle 102) in any suitable manner and/orby using any suitable mounting elements or components. In the exemplarycase shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vibratory source 114 is suspended withinhandle cavity 112 by a mounting member 116 that is disposed betweenhandle wall 110 and the vibratory source. However, it will beappreciated that any number of one or more mounting elements or othercomponents could alternately be used.

An oral hygiene device according to the subject matter of the presentdisclosure will also include a vibratory-output transfer member orassembly that is operatively connected between the vibratory source andthe cleaning head. Such a member or assembly, which will also bereferred to herein as a connector assembly, being capable oftransmitting or otherwise transferring vibratory output from thevibratory source to the cleaning head and thereby generating vibratorymotion at or along at least a portion of the cleaning head. Oral hygienedevice 100 is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as including a connectorassembly 118 that is operatively disposed between vibratory source 114and cleaning head 104. Connector assembly 118 is adapted to transfer,transmit or otherwise communicate vibratory output from vibratory source114 to cleaning head 104 and can do so in any manner capable ofgenerating movement of cleaning head 104 relative to handle 102. Assuch, it will be appreciated that cleaning head 104 can be supported onhandle 102 in any suitable manner that permits movement thereof relativeto the handle. What's more, cleaning head 104 could, optionally, beremovably supported on or otherwise secured to handle 102 (or anothercomponent of the oral hygiene device) such that the cleaning head couldbe replaced and/or cleaning heads of different types and/or kinds couldalternately be used.

As one example, the handle and cleaning head could each include abearing surface (not shown) with the cleaning head secured on the handlesuch that the bearing surfaces thereof are in abutting engagement withone another. In this manner, the bearing surface of the cleaning headcould pivot, oscillate or otherwise move relative to the bearing surfaceof the handle. This, in turn, would permit the cleaning head to moverelative to the handle, such as under the influence of vibratory outputfrom the vibratory source communicated to the cleaning head by way ofthe connecting member, for example. A suitable seal (not shown) couldoptionally be provided between the handle and the cleaning head toprevent the ingress of water and/or other substances into the handlecavity and/or other portions of the handle and/or cleaning head.

As another example, cleaning head 104 could include a first or proximalhead end 120 and an opposing, second or distal head end 122 disposed inlongitudinally-spaced relation to the first head end. The cleaning headcan be supported or otherwise secured on handle 104 such that first headend 120 is disposed toward second handle end 108 but spaced a distancetherefrom, rather than being in abutting engagement therewith. In suchcase, a suitable seal (not shown) can optionally be provided between thehandle and cleaning head, as has been discussed above. Additionally, topermit the cleaning head to pivot, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise moverelative to the handle, a bearing surface can be disposed along thehandle and/or otherwise provided in spaced relation to cleaning head104.

It will be appreciated that such a bearing surface can be provided inany suitable manner on or along any one or more features, elementsand/or components of oral hygiene device 100 (e.g., handle wall 110),and can be of any suitable size, shape, construction and/orconfiguration. For example, the bearing surface could be integrallyformed on or along the handle. As another example, a bearing element 124could be supported on handle 102, such as along handle wall 110 and/orwithin handle cavity 112, for example. Bearing element 124 can theninclude a bearing surface 126 (FIG. 4) that at least partially defines apassage (not numbered) through the bearing element. Further to thisexample, one or more elements, components or features of connectorassembly 118 can extend through the passage and engage bearing surface126 of bearing element 124, such as is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.

The cleaning head of an oral hygiene device according to the subjectmatter of the present disclosure can be of any suitable type, kind,arrangement and/or construction, such as a cleaning head with one ormore bristles (e.g., toothbrush heads) or a cleaning head that include alength of floss, a pick or another instrument, for example. As such, itwill also be recognized that different cleaning heads may benefit fromdifferent types of motion, directions of movement and/or magnitudes ofdisplacement. Accordingly, it will be understood that the performance,output and other operational characteristics of the vibratory sourceand/or the construction, arrangement and/or orientation of any one ormore other features and/or components (e.g., mounting members, connectorassemblies and bearing elements) can differ from application toapplication.

In the exemplary arrangement shown, cleaning head 104 includes aconnection portion 128 disposed toward first head end 120 that isadapted to receive or otherwise operatively engage connector assembly118. A head portion 130 is disposed in spaced relation to connectionportion 128 and includes a plurality of bristles 132 disposedtherealong. It will be appreciated that bristles 132 can extend orotherwise project from head portion 130 in any suitable manner and inany suitable configuration and/or alignment, such as having at least aportion of the plurality of bristles projecting from head portion 130 atan angle ANG of from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees with respectto longitudinal axis AX. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 1and 2, plurality of bristles 132 extend from a head surface 134 in anapproximately perpendicular orientation relative to longitudinal axisAX. Cleaning head 104 can also optionally include an elongated neckportion 136 extending between connection portion 128 and head portion130. If provided, elongated neck portion 136 can be of any suitablesize, shape, length and/or configuration such as may be desired foraesthetic, performance or other reasons. For example, elongated neckportion 136, if included, can have a reduced cross-section to enhanceergonomic and/or comfort factors associated with use of the oral hygienedevice. As another example, elongated neck portion 136 is shown in FIG.1 as having a length represented by dimension LTH (FIG. 2). It will beappreciated that such length could vary from cleaning head-to-cleaninghead to thereby provide optimized performance or output characteristicsof the cleaning element (e.g., bristles, floss, pick) of the cleaninghead.

Additionally, or in the alternative, one or more output or performancecharacteristics of the vibratory source of the oral hygiene devicecould, optionally, be varied to provide the desired operationalperformance of the cleaning element of the cleaning head. However, suchadditional features and/or operations might, in some cases, result inundesirable increases manufacturing and other costs. As anotheralternative, vibratory source 114 can include a rotary actuator, such asan electric motor 138, for example, that includes a rotational outputshaft 140 operable at a predetermined and approximately constantrotational speed. It will be appreciated that rotational output shaft140 can be a direct drive output shaft from electric motor 138 or,alternately, can be an output shaft from a suitable gear set ortransmission, such as a planetary gear set (not shown), for example.Thus, it will be appreciated that the rotary actuator can generate anysuitable rotational output speed, such as a rotational speed within arange of from about 50 RPM to about 50,000 RPM, for example.

A vibratory mass 142 is shown as being operatively connected to outputshaft 140. It will be appreciated that the vibratory mass can be securedto the rotational output shaft in a manner suitable. As one example,vibratory mass 142 can be eccentrically attached to output shaft 140,such as by using a threaded or crimped connection (not shown), forexample. It will be appreciated that vibratory mass 142 can be of anysuitable shape, size, configuration and/or construction. As such, thedistance that the center of gravity of the vibratory mass is offset fromthe attachment point thereof to output shaft 140 will vary fromapplication-to-application depending upon the desired output andperformance of vibratory source 114.

In operation, vibratory source 114 generates vibratory output byenergizing the rotary actuator (e.g., electric motor 138) and therebyrotating the output shaft thereof (e.g., rotational output shaft 140).Such rotation of the output shaft causes the vibratory mass (e.g.,vibratory mass 142) to rotate about the central axis (not shown) of theoutput shaft. This rotation of the vibratory mass results in anunbalanced loading of the rotary actuator, which unbalanced loading canbe utilized as vibratory output.

Vibratory source 114 is supported within handle cavity 112 such thatrotational output shaft 140 and vibratory mass 142 thereof are disposedtoward first handle end 106. As discussed above, vibratory source 114 isoperatively connected to cleaning head 104 through connector assembly118. As mentioned above, connector assembly 118 can be of any suitablesize, shape, arrangement and/or construction. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and4, connector assembly 118 includes a connector housing 144 and anelongated connector rod 146 that extends from the connector housing.Connector rod 146 includes a first or proximal end 148 disposed towardconnector housing 144 and a second or distal end 150 disposed generallyopposite connector housing 144. The second end of the connector rod caninclude any suitable features and/or elements for engaging cleaning head104 such that vibratory output can be transmitted thereto from thevibratory source.

In one exemplary arrangement, connector rod 146 can be substantiallyfixedly attached to connector housing 144. In such case, vibratoryoutput from vibratory source 114 can be transmitted to cleaning head 104with minimal losses during transmission. In other cases, however, a morecompliant interconnection between the connector housing and connectorrod could be used, such as to generate less vibratory output at thecleaning head, for example.

It will be appreciated that connector housing 144 can be of any shape,size, construction, arrangement and/or configuration suitable forsupporting vibratory source 114 and transmitting or otherwisetransferring vibratory output from the vibratory source to the cleaninghead. In the exemplary arrangement shown, connector housing 144 includesa longitudinally-extending post portion 152 disposed along a closed end154 of the connector housing. Additionally, housing wall 156 is shown asat least partially defining a housing chamber 158 that includes an openend 160 generally opposite closed end 154. In one case, housing chamber158 can be dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the rotaryactuator (e.g., electric motor 138). One or more openings 162 canoptionally be provided in connector housing 144, such as to receive orotherwise permit the passage of electrical terminals 164 through a wall(e.g., housing wall 156 and closed end 154) of the connector housing.Additionally, the rotary actuator can be secured in, on or alongconnector housing 144 in any suitable manner, such as by usingmechanical fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, mounting clips),adhesive materials and/or overmolding techniques, for example.

Vibratory source 114 can be supported in, on or along handle 102 in anysuitable manner. As one example, the vibratory source could be supportedon the handle wall by a suitable mounting member or other supportelement. As another example, vibratory source 114 can be indirectlysupported by mounting member 116, as is shown in FIGS. 1, 3A-C and 4.That is, vibratory source 114 is shown as being supported on connectorhousing 144 of connector assembly 118, and the connector housing is thendirectly supported on or along handle 102 by mounting member 116.

It will be appreciated that mounting member 116 can be of any size,shape, arrangement, configuration and/or construction suitable forsupporting the vibratory source in, on or along the handle such thatvibratory output can be generated by the vibratory source andtransmitted to the cleaning head of the oral hygiene device. In theexemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 1-4, mounting member 116 includesan inner wall 166 at least partially defining an inner opening (notnumbered), an outer wall 168 at least partially defining an outeropening 170, and one or more walls or wall portions interconnecting theinner and outer walls. In the exemplary arrangement shown, mountingmember 116 includes four intermediate walls 172 and 174 extendingbetween and thereby interconnecting inner and outer walls 166 and 168.Intermediate walls 172 and 174 as shown as being disposed on opposingsides of a principal plane (or midplane) extending longitudinallythrough principal motion line PML. However, it will be appreciated thatany other number, construction, arrangement and/or configurationinterconnecting walls (e.g., intermediate walls 172 and 174) couldalternately be use.

In the exemplary arrangement shown, connector housing 144 includesopposing flat sides (not numbered) as well as opposing curved sides (notnumbered) which together form the outer periphery of the connectorhousing. Additionally, ribs or projecting wall portions 176 (FIG. 4) aredisposed in spaced relation to one another. The projecting wall portionsextend about the periphery of the connector housing forming a channel178 (FIG. 4) therebetween. Inner wall 166 of mounting member 116 isreceived on or along connector housing 144 such that the inner wall isdisposed at least partially within channel 178 and extends about housingwall 156 to at least partially secure the mounting member and connectorassembly together.

Outer wall 168 of mounting member 116 is shown as being supported on oralong handle wall 110 within handle cavity 112. However, it will beappreciated that any other mounting arrangement could alternately beused. In the exemplary arrangement shown, outer wall 168 at leastpartially defines outer opening 170 and is shown as being disposed inabutting engagement with handle wall 110. Intermediate walls 172 and 174extend between the inner and outer walls and thereby bridge outeropening 170 to effectively suspend or otherwise minimally supportvibratory source 114 within handle cavity 112. Though it will beappreciated that the vibratory source can be disposed in any suitableposition along longitudinal axis AX, in the exemplary arrangement shown,at least a portion of vibratory source 114 is longitudinally positionedwithin the mounting member, such as within the axial extent of outerwall 168, for example.

It will be recognized that the arrangement, configuration and/orconstruction of one or more interconnecting walls (e.g., intermediatewalls 172 and 174) can permit movement of inner wall 166 relative toouter wall 168 in one or more directions to a greater or lesser extentthan in one or more other directions. In the exemplary embodiment shown,intermediate walls 172 and 174 permit inner wall 166 to move relative toouter wall 168 by approximately the same amount the opposinglongitudinal directions (e.g., toward proximal end 106 and toward distalend 108). However, it will be recognized that intermediate walls 172 and174 will also permit inner wall 166 to move relative to outer wall 168along the direction of primary motion line PML by a greater amount thanin the direction approximately transverse to the primary motion line.

Such biased directional movement can be attributed, at least in part, tothe intermediate walls being capable of flexure or bending in thedirection of the principal motion line in an amount that issubstantially greater than the amount of compression/extension of thosesame intermediate walls in the direction transverse to the principalmotion line, under the same load conditions. In one exemplaryarrangement, such biased directional movement can include movement ofabout 25 percent or less in a direction approximately transverse to theprincipal motion line in comparison to the movement along the principalmotion line under the same load conditions (e.g., under theout-of-balance load conditions generated by vibratory source 114).

One exemplary arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C in whichvibratory mass 142 is shown rotating about a point of rotation (e.g., acenterline of rotational output shaft 140) of the rotary actuator (e.g.,electric motor 138). As shown in FIG. 3A, vibratory mass 142 is disposedin a first position in which the vibratory source is displaced alongprincipal motion line PML, as indicated by arrow AR1, due, at least inpart, to the flexing of intermediate walls 172 and 174 under theinfluence of the unbalanced load of the vibratory mass. As vibratorymass 142 rotates clockwise, as indicated by arrows AR2, the unbalancedload thereof is less effective at displacing the vibratory source due,at least in part, to the increased force required to compress andelongate the intermediate walls, as is represented in FIG. 3B. As such,substantially less displacement of vibratory source 114 occurs in thedirection of a secondary motion line SML which is disposed approximatelytransverse to principal motion line PML. As one example, suchdisplacement along secondary motion line SML can be less than 25 percentof the displacement along principal motion line PML. Additionally, asone example of such an arrangement, secondary motion line SML can bedisposed perpendicular to principal motion line PML. As vibratory mass142 continues to rotate clockwise, such as is shown in FIG. 3C, theunbalanced load condition induced by the vibratory mass, again, causesdisplacement along the principal motion line, as indicated by arrow AR3,due, at least in part, to the flexing of intermediate walls 172 and 174.

It will be recognized that arrows AR1 and AR3 extend along principalmotion line PML but in generally opposite directions. As such, it willbe appreciated that displacement of the vibratory source with respect toa longitudinally-extending plane formed through principal motion linePML may be of an approximately oscillating nature, as indicated byarrows AR4 and AR5 (FIGS. 1 and 4). Such oscillating motion isillustrated in FIG. 4 in which positions “A”, “B” and “C” generallycorrespond to the operation and position of the components in FIGS. 3A,3B and 3C, respectively. However, it will also be recognized that atleast some amount of displacement will also occur in other, out-of-planedirections, such as along secondary motion line SML, for example. Assuch, vibratory source 114 may, in practice, move along an elongated,elliptical pathway. As one example, such an elongated elliptical pathwaymay include a minor axis having a length of 25 percent or less than thelength of the major axis.

Returning to FIG. 4, vibratory source 114 and connector assembly 118 areshown pivoting along or about bearing surface 126 of bearing 124. Assuch, displacement of vibratory source 114 in one direction results indisplacement of distal end 150 of elongated connector rod 146 in theopposing direction, as indicated by arrows AR4 and AR5.

One advantage of utilizing an arrangement capable of providing biaseddirectional movement, such as has been described in detail above, isthat the principal direction of vibratory output can be varied relativeto the handle, simply by rotating the mounting member (e.g., mountingmember 116) relative to the handle.

The vibratory source of an oral hygiene device in accordance with thesubject matter of the present disclosure can be powered or otherwiseoperated in any suitable manner and by utilizing any suitable powersource, such as electrical power, for example. In the exemplaryarrangement shown, oral hygiene device 100 includes an electricalcontrol system 180 that utilizes an electrical power supply, such as abattery 182 or an AC power adapter (not shown), for example. Theelectrical contacts of the electrical power supply can be in electricalcommunication with electrical terminals 164 of electric motor 138 in anysuitable manner, such as by way of electrical leads 184, for example.Additionally, a switch 186 or other suitable device can be placed inelectrical communication between the electrical power supply and theelectric motor for selectively energizing the same.

FIG. 5 illustrates one exemplary method 200 of assembling an oralhygiene device in accordance with the subject matter of the presentdisclosure, such as oral hygiene device 100, for example. Method 200includes providing a handle, such as handle 102, for example, andproviding a vibratory source, such as vibratory source 114, for example,as is indicated in FIG. 5 by boxes 202 and 204, respectively. Method 200also includes supporting the vibratory source on the handle, as isrepresented by box 206. Method 200 can further include providing abearing surface on the handle, as indicated in FIG. 5 by box 208. Method200 also includes providing a connecting member, such as one or morecomponents of connector assembly 118, for example, as is represented bybox 210. Method 200 further includes operatively connecting thevibratory source and the connecting member, as is indicated in box 212of FIG. 5. Method 200 also includes providing a cleaning head, such ascleaning head 104, for example, and operatively connecting the cleaninghead and connecting member, as is represented in FIG. 5 by boxes 214 and216.

Method 200 can optionally include providing a mounting element, such asat least a portion of mounting member 116, for example, and engaging atleast a portion of the mounting element with the vibratory source, as isrepresented by box 218 in FIG. 5. Method 200 also optionally includesorienting the mounting element relative to at least one of either thevibratory source or the handle, as is indicated by box 220 in FIG. 5.

As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, components,structures, actions, operations and the like, numerical ordinals merelydenote different singles of a plurality (e.g., “first handle end” and“second handle end,” and “first intermediate wall” and “secondintermediate wall”) and do not imply any order or sequence unlessspecifically defined by the claim language.

While the subject novel concept has been described with reference to theforegoing embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed hereinon the structures and structural interrelationships between thecomponent parts of the embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciatedthat other embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made inthe embodiments illustrated and described without departing from theprinciples of the subject novel concept. Obviously, modifications andalterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding thepreceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctlyunderstood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpretedmerely as illustrative of the present novel concept and not as alimitation. As such, it is intended that the subject novel concept beconstrued as including all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims and any equivalentsthereof.

1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle including a handle wall that atleast partially defines a handle cavity, said handle extendinglongitudinally between spaced first and second ends; a vibratory sourcedisposed within said handle cavity in longitudinally-spaced relation tosaid first end of said handle, said vibratory source adapted to undergovibratory movement and thereby generate vibratory output; a mountingelement supported on said handle within said handle cavity and inlongitudinally-spaced relation to said first end of said handle, saidmounting element including an outer mounting wall adapted to engage saidhandle wall, an inner mounting wall adapted to receive said vibratorysource, and at least one intermediate wall suspending said innermounting wall from said outer mounting wall such that said vibratorysource can undergo said vibratory movement within said handle cavity andthereby generate said vibratory output; a connecting member extendinglongitudinally between opposing first and second member ends, said firstmember end fixedly connected to said vibratory source such that saidconnecting member projects from said vibratory source toward said firstend of said handle; a bearing surface disposed along said handle withinsaid handle cavity and spaced from said vibratory source toward saidfirst end of said handle, said connecting member engaging said bearingsurface such that vibratory output from said vibratory source whenacting in a first direction results in vibratory output at said secondend of said connecting member acting in an opposing second direction;and, a cleaning head received along said first end of said handle andoperatively interengaging said second end of said connecting member suchthat said vibratory output at said second end of said connecting memberis communicated to said cleaning head and said cleaning head is therebydisplaced in said opposing second direction.
 2. A toothbrush accordingto claim 1, wherein said mounting element includes a midplane extendingcentrally through said inner and outer mounting walls, and said at leastone intermediate wall includes first and second intermediate wallsdisposed on opposing sides of said midplane such that said innermounting wall is suspended therebetween.
 3. A toothbrush according toclaim 1, wherein said vibratory source includes a motor and saidconnector assembly includes a connector housing, said connector housingincluding a housing wall at least partially forming an open end and aclosed end of said connector housing with a housing cavity formed intosaid connector housing from along said open end, said first end of saidconnecting rod being attached to said closed end of said connectorhousing, and said motor being at least partially received in saidhousing cavity.
 4. A toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein said motorincludes an eccentrically-mounted vibratory mass that is disposed alongsaid motor generally opposite said connector housing such that saidvibratory mass is outwardly exposed from said connector housing andgenerates said vibratory movement during rotational operation of saidmotor.
 5. A toothbrush according to claim 3 further comprising a pair ofelectrical contacts supported on said handle with said electricalcontacts connected in electrical communication with said motor.
 6. Atoothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising a switch inelectrical communication between said motor and one contact of said pairof contacts, said switch adapted to selectively place said motor andsaid one contact in electrical continuity with one another.
 7. An oralhygiene device comprising: a handle including a handle wall at leastpartially defining a handle chamber, said handle including a proximalend and a distal end that is spaced longitudinally from said proximalend; a cleaning head supported for vibratory movement on said distal endof said handle; a vibratory source supported on said handle within saidhandle chamber and in spaced relation to said distal end, said vibratorysource operative to generate vibratory output; a mounting memberdisposed within said handle chamber between said vibratory source andsaid handle wall such that said vibratory source is suspended by saidmounting member within said handle chamber and is thereby capable ofundergoing vibratory displacement resulting in said vibratory output; aconnecting member operatively connected between said vibratory sourceand said cleaning head; and, a bearing surface provided along one ofsaid handle and said cleaning head, said bearing surface adapted topermit said cleaning head to move relative to said handle and therebygenerate motion in said cleaning head in response to said vibratoryoutput of said vibratory source.
 8. An oral hygiene device according toclaim 7, wherein said connecting member pivots about said bearingsurface such that under a motion of said vibratory source in a firstdirection a corresponding motion is generated in said cleaning head in asecond direction generally opposite said first direction.
 9. An oralhygiene device according to claim 7 further comprising a bearingdisposed along said handle within said handle chamber, said bearingincluding said bearing surface and a passage at least partially definedby said bearing surface, said passage extending through said bearingreceiving at least a portion of said connecting member.
 10. An oralhygiene device according to claim 7, wherein said connecting memberincludes a connecting rod that extends between opposing first and secondrod ends with said first rod end fixedly coupled to said vibratorysource and said second end operatively connected to said cleaning head.11. An oral hygiene device according to claim 7, wherein said mountingmember is a directional mounting member that permits movement of saidvibratory source along a principal plane of motion while substantiallylimiting movement of said vibratory source along a secondary plane ofmotion that is disposed approximately transverse to said principal planeof motion.
 12. An oral hygiene device according to claim 11, whereinsaid movement of said vibratory source along said principal plane ofmotion travels through a first distance and said movement of saidvibratory source along said secondary plane of motion travels through asecond distance that is less than 25 percent of said first distance. 13.An oral hygiene device according to claim 11, wherein said mountingmember includes an outer wall adapted to engage said handle wall, aninner wall adapted to receive said vibratory source, and first andsecond intermediate walls extending between said inner wall and saidouter wall, said first and second intermediate walls being disposed onopposing sides of said principal plane of motion such that said innerwall is suspended from said outer wall by said first and secondintermediate walls.
 14. An oral hygiene device according to claim 13,wherein said first and second intermediate walls of said mounting memberare disposed in approximate alignment with said secondary plane ofmotion.
 15. A method of assembling an oral hygiene device, said methodcomprising: a) providing a handle that includes a handle wall at leastpartially defining a handle cavity, said handle extending longitudinallybetween proximal and distal handle ends; b) providing a vibratory sourceand supporting said vibratory source within said handle cavity in spacedrelation to said distal end such that said vibratory source generatesvibratory output along a principal plane of motion; c) providing abearing surface on said handle between said vibratory source and saiddistal end of said handle; d) providing a connecting member that extendslongitudinally between first and second ends thereof, supporting saidconnecting member along said bearing surface, and operativelyinterconnecting said first end of said connecting member with saidvibratory source; and, e) providing a cleaning head and operativelyinterconnecting said cleaning head and said second end of saidconnecting member such that said connecting member can pivot about saidbearing surface in response to said vibratory output from said vibratorysource and thereby generate corresponding vibratory output at saidcleaning head.
 16. A method according to claim 15 further comprisingproviding a mounting element adapted to support said vibratory source onsaid handle, engaging said vibratory source with said mounting elementand supporting said mounting element and said vibratory source withinsaid handle cavity in spaced relation to said distal end of said handle.17. A method according to claim 16, wherein said cleaning head has aprincipal plane of motion and said mounting element has a principalplane of motion, said method further comprising orienting said mountingelement within said handle cavity such that said principal plane ofmotion of said mounting element is approximately aligned with saidprincipal plane of motion of said cleaning head.
 18. A method accordingto claim 15, wherein providing a vibratory source in b) includesproviding a motor and providing a connecting member in d) includesproviding a connector housing capable of receiving said motor,installing said motor within said connector housing, and fixedlyconnecting said first end of said connecting member to said connectorhousing such that vibratory output generated by said motor istransmitted to said connecting member through said connector housing.19. A method according to claim 15 further comprising providing a pairof electrical contacts, securing said pair of electrical contacts onsaid handle, and placing said pair of electrical contacts in electricalcommunication with said vibratory source.
 20. A method according toclaim 19 further comprising providing an electrical switch, securingsaid electrical switch on said handle, and placing said the electricalswitch in electrical communication between one of said electricalcontacts and said vibratory source.